Edtech Insiders

Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell
  • 5.0 (28)
  • Education

At Edtech Insiders, we interview founders, investors, operators, educators, and thought leaders about the future of education technology. You’ll hear from leaders across the education technology industry and learn about all of the important edtech trends happening globally.

  1. 2d ago

    Global EdTech Prize Top 10 Finalists on AI, Access & Impact

    In this episode, Alex Sarlin speaks with leaders and finalists from the Global EdTech Prize about expanding access to education, supporting underserved learners, and using technology and AI to drive meaningful impact around the world. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Edtech is expanding access for underserved and displaced learners. New approaches to assessment, literacy, and learning outcomes. How AI is enabling more personalized learning experiences. How technology can support educators rather than replace them. Why collaboration across the global Edtech ecosystem matters. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:38] Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education and Global EdTech Prize on the mission behind the prize and its focus on discovering and scaling Edtech innovations with global impact. Finalist Interviews: [00:13:16] Abdullahi Dahir Mire, Founder, Refugee Youth Education Hub (RYEH) [00:28:59] Alina A. von Davier, PhD, Chief of Assessment, Duolingo [00:43:34] Edan Shahar, Founder & CEO, Wild Zebra [00:58:22] Dania Bush, International Educational Consultant, Renaissance Learning [01:06:54] Gabi Immelman, Founder, Mindjoy [01:18:21] Ami Shah, Co-Founder & CEO, Peekapak [01:31:39] Quinn O’Brien, Chief Marketing Officer, Carnegie Learning Watch the full Global EdTech Prize 2026 Top 10 announcement here. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    Global EdTech Prize Top 10 Finalists on AI, Access & Impact

  2. 3d ago

    Week in Edtech 9/23/26: Flint's Teacher AI Literacy with Sohan Choudhury, AskSia’s Global Learning with Celine Xu & 2U’s AI Strategy with Adam Fein

    Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they interview leaders from Flint, AskSia, and 2U about AI literacy, personalized learning, responsible AI adoption, and the future of higher education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:15] Sohan Choudhury, Founder of Flint, on AI literacy for teachers and responsible AI adoption in schools [00:15:10] Celine Xu, Co-founder and COO of AskSia, on personalized AI learning and student independence [00:43:03] Adam Fein, VP of Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at 2U, on the future of higher education, AI, and assessment 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    Week in Edtech 9/23/26: Flint's Teacher AI Literacy with Sohan Choudhury, AskSia’s Global Learning with Celine Xu & 2U’s AI Strategy with Adam Fein

  3. 4d ago

    How Microsoft Is Building AI for Learning, Not Just Answers with Deirdre Quarnstrom

    This episode is produced in partnership with Microsoft. Deirdre Quarnstrom leads Microsoft’s AI-enhanced learning product portfolio and strategy. She started her work in education bringing Minecraft Education to students and educators around the world. Deirdre also serves as a Director on the board of the Block by Block Foundation and is a founding partner and advisor at Reaction, a social impact VC fund. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Microsoft is approaching AI in education.Why AI tutors should guide students rather than give them answers.How learning science shapes AI-powered learning tools.How AI can reduce teacher workload.The future of AI-powered game-based learning.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:05:38] Minecraft Education and the impact of the Hour of Code [00:10:46] Microsoft’s approach to AI in education [00:20:48]  How AI can help reduce teacher workload [00:25:52] Building AI tools around learning science [00:29:20] “The magic is when the student figures something out for themselves.” [00:30:37] The potential renaissance of game-based learning [00:37:15] AI safety, privacy, and educator involvement [00:53:27] Why AI should be a “power up” for educators and students 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    How Microsoft Is Building AI for Learning, Not Just Answers with Deirdre Quarnstrom

  4. 5d ago

    HigherEd Series: Sal Khan on What Higher Education Needs to Change in the AI Era

    Sal Khan is the founder and CEO of Khan Academy and Vision Steward and board member of TED, two global nonprofits that provide free education to 200+ million people worldwide. Sal is the author of The One World Schoolhouse and Brave New Words, and the co-author of Teaching Students to Use AI Ethically & Responsibly. His forthcoming book, Job Shock, examines how AI will transform the future of work and how societies can build learning systems that help people adapt, learn, and thrive. Co-Hosted by Matthew Rascoff This episode is part of the Edtech Insiders HigherEd Podcast Series, featuring conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher education. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why AI is forcing higher education to rethink its value.The vision behind the Khan TED Institute.Why durable skills like communication and collaboration matter.How portfolios and authentic projects could improve hiring signals.What lifelong learning could look like in an AI-driven workforce.✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:52] The vision behind the Khan TED Institute [00:04:30] How AI is reshaping higher education [00:10:01] Rethinking how employers identify talent [00:15:46] Moving from informal learning to credentials [00:20:48] Creating better signals of learner skills [00:31:23] Learning through authentic work experiences [00:35:58] The future of the Khan TED Institute 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    HigherEd Series: Sal Khan on What Higher Education Needs to Change in the AI Era

  5. 6d ago

    Can AI Make Students Better Thinkers? Inside CAiSEY's Voice-First Learning Revolution with Dan Wang & Johanna Chouraqui

    Dan Wang is the Lambert Family Professor of Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School and Co-founder of CAiSEY, a voice-first AI discussion platform that helps students develop critical thinking through conversation. Johanna Chouraqui leads instructor onboarding, user research, and operations at CAiSEY, bringing nearly a decade of experience in K-12 education and learning design. 💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This Episode Why voice-based AI can foster deeper critical thinking than text-based interactions.How CAiSEY helps instructors increase student participation and classroom engagement.Why AI should act as a thinking partner and not a homework shortcut.How voice conversations give educators new insights into student understanding.What the future of AI-powered discussion and learning could look like across higher education.✨ Episode Highlights [00:03:32] The origin story of CAiSEY and why ChatGPT inspired a new approach to classroom learning. [00:09:34] Why voice conversations unlock more creative and diverse thinking than text. [00:15:22] How AI-powered discussions help quieter students build confidence before class. [00:19:32] Why CAiSEY is intentionally designed to challenge students through debate. [00:24:31] From one Columbia classroom to 25+ universities: CAiSEY's rapid growth. [00:30:53] How voice-first AI improves accessibility for neurodiverse learners. [00:34:10] Early research showing increased classroom participation and deeper learning. [00:42:19] Dan and Johanna's vision for AI that strengthens, not replaces, human learning and classroom relationships. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    Can AI Make Students Better Thinkers? Inside CAiSEY's Voice-First Learning Revolution with Dan Wang & Johanna Chouraqui

  6. Sep 24

    Week in Edtech 9/15/26: Gates Commits $1B to Equitable AI, Low-Tech Tutoring Shows Learning Gains, AI Safety Under Scrutiny, and More! Feat. Dorka Horvath of BOOKR Kids & Nitesh Goel & Zareen Poonen Levien of Padlet

    Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI safety, tutoring research, equitable access to AI, and how educators are using AI in the classroom. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:07:16] AI safety concerns grow as Anthropic researchers and executives question the pace of frontier AI development [00:12:42] AI alignment, self-improvement, and multi-agent systems raise new questions about control [00:21:47] Randomized trial finds meaningful learning gains from consistent 20-minute phone tutoring across five countries [00:25:23] Low-tech tutoring delivers results at an estimated $11 per child [00:26:45] Gates Foundation commits $1B to advancing equitable AI across education, health, and agriculture [00:34:18] Instruction Partners' AI in Action tour examines 20 AI tools across 16 school systems [00:36:14] AI in schools works best when instructional goals come first and technology follows Plus, special guests: [00:38:29] Dorka Horvath, CEO and Co-founder of BOOKR Kids, on its $6.1M Series A, literacy, digital storytelling, and responsible AI [00:59:38] Nitesh Goel, CEO and Founder and Zareen Poonen Levien, Principal Educator, of Padlet, on building an education company and creating meaningful classroom collaboration 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    Week in Edtech 9/15/26: Gates Commits $1B to Equitable AI, Low-Tech Tutoring Shows Learning Gains, AI Safety Under Scrutiny, and More! Feat. Dorka Horvath of BOOKR Kids & Nitesh Goel & Zareen Poonen Levien of Padlet

  7. Sep 22

    HigherEd Series: From the Brink of Closure to Reinventing Paul Quinn College with Michael Sorrell

    Dr. Michael J. Sorrell is the longest-serving President in Paul Quinn College’s 154-year history. A nationally recognized higher education leader, he has been named one of Fortune’s 50 Greatest Leaders and received numerous awards for his innovative leadership and commitment to students and communities. Hosted by Matthew Rascoff This episode is part of the Edtech Insiders HigherEd Podcast Series, featuring conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher education. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Paul Quinn College went from the brink of closure to a model of innovation.Why economic mobility is central to the college’s mission. How the work-college model helps students gain real-world experience. Why entrepreneurship is built into every student’s education at Paul Quinn. How Paul Quinn is preparing students for an AI-driven economy.  ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:15] Michael J. Sorrell on the turnaround of Paul Quinn College. [00:07:37] Addressing poverty and improving students’ economic outcomes. [00:18:23] The work-college model and creating greater opportunity for students. [00:21:51] Moving from “lifelong learning” to “lifelong earning.” [00:34:14] AI, entrepreneurship, and preparing students for the future of work. [00:37:55] Teaching students to recognize opportunities and build businesses around them. [00:39:17] Staying curious, learning from students, and responding to real-world needs. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    HigherEd Series: From the Brink of Closure to Reinventing Paul Quinn College with Michael Sorrell

  8. Sep 21

    Start With the Problem, Not the AI Tool with Victoria Lansdown of North Star AI Enablement

    Victoria Lansdown is the founder of North Star AI Enablement, helping schools, Edtech companies, and nonprofits adopt AI in practical, human-centered ways. A former educator, she has led AI-for-educators programs at Google and contributed to UNESCO’s AI competency framework discussions. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why effective AI adoption starts with a problem, not a tool.How educators can balance AI experimentation with meaningful guardrails.Why AI policies need practical guidance and not just a policy document.How schools and organizations can measure AI’s actual value and impact.What specialized AI agents could mean for the future of Edtech.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:56] Rethinking computer science education with generative AI [00:05:32]  AI as an equalizer: The equity questions around AI access [00:08:18] Welcoming educator skepticism and moving beyond the “pro-AI vs. anti-AI” binary [00:21:05] Why successful AI adoption starts with a problem, not a tool [00:25:50] Building AI policies around both governance and implementation [00:34:07] Creating psychological safety for responsible AI experimentation [00:42:30] Starting small to build AI confidence and creativity [00:49:41] The shift from general-purpose chatbots to specialized AI agents and experiences 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

    Start With the Problem, Not the AI Tool with Victoria Lansdown of North Star AI Enablement
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About

At Edtech Insiders, we interview founders, investors, operators, educators, and thought leaders about the future of education technology. You’ll hear from leaders across the education technology industry and learn about all of the important edtech trends happening globally.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    504
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Edtech Insiders
  • Show Website
    Edtech Insiders

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